Churchill raising Kentucky Derby, Oaks general-admission prices

The cost of general-admission tickets for both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks next year at Churchill Downs will rise substantially from the price this year, according to a press release from the track Thursday.

The walk-up price for a general-admission ticket for the Derby will rise from $60 this year to $80 next year, according to the Churchill Downs release, which announced that tickets for the Derby and Oaks had begun to be offered for sale Thursday. The walk-up price for a general-admission ticket to the Oaks will rise to $60, according to the release. A walk-up ticket for the Oaks was $40 this year.

The Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks generate tens of millions of dollars in revenue for Churchill Downs Inc. each year. The parent company has focused on leveraging the two days over the past 10 years, plowing money into grandstand renovations while consistently raising ticket prices in all areas of the racetrack.

General-admission tickets will be available at discounts to the walk-up price, depending on when a buyer purchases the tickets through Churchill’s ticketing partner, according to the release. From Nov. 17 to Dec. 31, Derby general-admission tickets will cost $60, and Oaks tickets will cost $40. Those prices are both $10 higher than the early period cost last year.

From Jan. 1 to April 24, tickets for the Derby will cost $70, and tickets for the Oaks will cost $45. From April 25 until the day before each of the races, Derby admission will cost $75, and Oaks admission will cost $55.